MUSIC.

Arab Strap's Languor Lingers

April 13, 2001|By Rick Reger. Special to the Tribune.

The Scottish hills are alive with the sound of music. But instead of bagpipes, the highlands sigh with the introspective whisper of art-pop bands like Belle and Sebastian, Mogwai and Arab Strap. Guided by songwriters Malcolm Middleton and Aidan Moffat, the latter group's music has increasingly revolved around a mix of stark, darkly tuneful acoustic ballads and beat-driven, melancholy pop, and that attack has never sounded better than on Arab Strap's most recent record, "The Red Thread." While the songs are almost uniformly somber and delivered with languor, they trickle forth on a stream of brittle, beautiful melodies and atmospheric arrangements that stick in the ear.

AMM, Sunday at International House: Using a blend of electronics and conventional instruments, AMM crafts sonic essays that occupy the niche between avant-garde classical music and free jazz. The group's egoless interplay and artistry are impeccable. (AMM members will also be performing Friday and Saturday at 6Odum.) International House, 1414 E. 59th St. 312-666-4412.

M.O.P., Sunday at House of Blues: Part of the rap world may be making peace with R&B history and "all you need is love" vibes, but Brooklyn's M.O.P. hunkers down in the bunker on its latest record, "Warriorz," and lets fly with an old-fashioned, East Coast bruise cruise. MCs Lil' Fame and Billy Danzenie deliver a non-stop, in-your-face barrage of braying and boasting that would outwear its welcome except for the consistently catchy beats and imaginative backing tracks. 329 N. Dearborn St. 312-923-2000.

Jonatha Brooke, Thursday at the Park West: The first song on Brooke's new LP, "Steady Pull," is the kind of bouncy, listener-friendly tune that would seem to position the singer-songwriter for massive success. However, the rest of this appealing record showcases the inspired, offbeat arrangements, thoughtful songcraft anddistinctive melodic sensibility that have made Brooke a less than commanding commercial entity but a very successful artist. 322 W. Armitage Ave. 312-559-1212.

Also: Nyckelharpa Orchestra and Swap, Wednesday at the Chicago Cultural Center; Sepultura, Tuesday at House of Blues; Old 97's, Friday at the Vic Theater; Tim Reynolds, Saturday at the Park West.